Solar Energy Potential at Chapada da Natividade, Brazil

Chapada da Natividade in Brazil offers excellent conditions for solar energy production throughout the year. Located in the tropics, this site benefits from consistent sunlight patterns that make it highly suitable for photovoltaic (PV) installations. The solar energy generation potential remains strong across all seasons, with minimal variation between them. During winter, the location actually achieves its peak production at 6.43 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.17 kWh/day, while autumn produces 5.97 kWh/day. Summer shows the lowest output at 5.38 kWh/day, though this still represents robust production. For fixed solar panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle is 12 degrees facing North. This specific angle has been calculated to maximize year-round energy production based on the site's latitude and seasonal solar patterns.

Seasonal Considerations

The winter months surprisingly offer the best solar generation potential at this location. This pattern differs from many locations in higher latitudes where winter typically shows reduced solar output. The relatively small variation between seasons (approximately 1 kWh/day difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons) indicates consistent production year-round.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production at Chapada da Natividade:

• Dust and pollen accumulation can reduce panel efficiency, particularly during dry seasons. Regular cleaning maintenance schedules are recommended to maintain optimal performance.
• Heavy rainfall during wet seasons may temporarily reduce output and could potentially damage poorly installed systems. Proper waterproofing, drainage design, and secure mounting are essential.
• High temperatures in tropical regions can slightly reduce photovoltaic efficiency. Using panels with good temperature coefficients and ensuring adequate airflow behind panels can help mitigate this effect.

The tropical climate means humidity and potential fungal growth could affect electrical components over time. Using corrosion-resistant materials and properly sealed junction boxes will help ensure system longevity. Despite these considerations, the consistent sunshine throughout the year makes this location nearly ideal for solar energy production, with proper installation and maintenance practices addressing the few challenges present.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 3161 locations across Brazil. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Brazil by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Chapada Da Natividade

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -11.5416, Longitude: -47.8809 (Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 12° North in Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil (Lat/Long -11.5416, -47.8809) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 12° North for fixed panel installations.

As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.

We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil

If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 12° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
4° South in Summer	18° North in Autumn	27° North in Winter	6° North in Spring

Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.

This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil

We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. Minimum Spacing:
   We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.

This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.

Topography for solar PV around Chapada Da Natividade, Brazil

Topography of Chapada da Natividade Region

Chapada da Natividade is situated in the eastern portion of Tocantins state in Brazil, characterized by a distinctive plateau formation that rises prominently from the surrounding landscape. The term "chapada" in Portuguese refers to a plateau or tableland, and this accurately describes the elevated, relatively flat-topped terrain that defines this geographical feature. The region stands approximately 400-600 meters above sea level, with the plateau itself rising about 200 meters above the surrounding plains. This elevation difference creates striking escarpments and steep slopes along the edges of the chapada, forming a natural boundary between the highland and lowland areas. The plateau's surface is moderately flat to gently undulating, punctuated by occasional hills and shallow valleys. The landscape surrounding Chapada da Natividade consists of a transition between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and Amazon biomes, featuring a mosaic of open grasslands, scattered trees, and gallery forests along watercourses. The chapada itself tends to have thinner vegetation cover compared to the surrounding lowlands, particularly on its upper surfaces where soils may be less developed. Numerous streams and small rivers originate from the plateau, creating a radial drainage pattern as they flow outward from the elevated terrain. These watercourses have, over millennia, carved valleys and ravines into the edges of the chapada, creating a complex topography along its periphery.

Solar PV Suitability in the Region

The topographical characteristics of the Chapada da Natividade region make several nearby areas particularly suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The upper surfaces of the chapada itself represent prime locations for solar development. These elevated, relatively flat areas benefit from minimal shadowing effects and natural obstacles. The higher elevation may also reduce the impact of morning fog or haze that can sometimes affect lower-lying areas. The plateau's open terrain minimizes the need for extensive land clearing or grading, reducing installation costs and environmental impact. The gently sloping areas that transition from the plateau to the surrounding plains, particularly on the northern and western aspects, would also be favorable for solar PV development. These areas receive abundant solar radiation throughout the day while potentially offering easier access for construction and maintenance than the steeper escarpment zones. The surrounding plains to the west of the chapada, characterized by open grassland vegetation and minimal topographic relief, present another viable option for large-scale solar installations. These areas feature expansive, uninterrupted spaces that could accommodate substantial solar arrays with minimal topographical constraints. Areas to avoid would include the deeply incised valleys, densely forested zones (particularly gallery forests along watercourses), and any steeply sloped terrain. These locations would present challenges related to shadowing, land clearing, and construction complexity that would make solar development less economically and environmentally viable. The region's well-defined wet and dry seasons should also factor into site selection, with preference given to areas with good drainage during the rainy season to minimize the risk of flooding or erosion around solar infrastructure.

Brazil solar PV Stats as a country

Brazil ranks 13th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 13,708 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.50% of Brazil's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 31st in the world). Each year Brazil is generating 64 Watts from solar PV per capita (Brazil ranks 47th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Brazil?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Brazil. The Brazilian government offers a range of tax credits and other financial incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include reduced import taxes on solar equipment, accelerated depreciation of investments in renewable energy projects, and preferential financing from public banks. Additionally, some states offer additional incentives such as subsidies or grants for businesses that install solar systems.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Brazil? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential

The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.

However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.